About United States

The USA is the second-largest country in the world and consists of large urban areas and vast, thinly populated plains with beautiful natural landscapes. The cultures in the United States are likewise very diverse. In part due to the influx of immigrants that have entered America since the 17th century, the US consists of a colourful mix of cultures from all over the world.

The Continental United States is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west. Alaska, the largest US state, occupies a huge peninsula in the extreme northwest of North America. The US state of Hawaii is an island group located in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States.

The USA borders Canada in the north; its southern 3,155 km long border to Mexico is partly furnished with a great wall (or fence). The United States also shares maritime borders with the Bahamas, Cuba, and Russia.

The United States had a population of 332 million people in 2021; it is the most populous country in all of the Americas. Its capital is Washington D.C., formally the District of Columbia. The largest US city is New York. Spoken languages are English 80%, and Spanish 13%.

About Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. famed for its bold architecture. It has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

As a multicultural city that thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods, Chicago today embodies the values of America’s heartland-integrity, hard work and community and reflects the ideals in the social fabric of  its 77 distinct neighborhoods. To know more about Chicago, please click HERE.

Facts and Figures

Time zone: Central Date Time

Language English/Spanish

Currency: US dollars

Credit Card
Most of the businesses in US widely use and accept payment by credit cards, including at major hotels, department stores, and general shops. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other credit cards can be used.

Money Exchange
When you need to exchange your foreign currency into US dollars, visit a bank or an authorized exchange service center.

Tipping & Taxes
You should tip 15-20% for adequate service in restaurants and up to 20% if you feel you’ve been treated well. At higher-end restaurants, where more service personnel per table must divide the tip, increase these measures by a few percentage points.

Business Hours

Banks
Weekdays: 09:00-17:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays

Government Offices and Organizations
Weekdays 09:00-17:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays

Post Offices
Weekdays 09:00-17:00 / Closed on Sundays & public holidays
Website: https://www.usps.com/ (English)

Department Stores
Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00 / Closed days vary by store

Electricity and Voltage

The standard voltage in US is 120 volts. Travel adaptor is necessary for European travellers.